Applications are open for 2025 undergraduate and graduate programs – Apply now!

The Arts Research Center

Vision

The VCU Arts Research Center advocates for the unique nature and innovative possibilities of creative research practice within the university and across society.

Mission

The Center facilitates the intellectual and artistic engagement of faculty and students while providing opportunities to expand research across disciplines. We support the limitless creativity of the artists, designers and performers in our school as their work embodies VCU’s Strategic Research Priorities Plan in multifaceted ways. Our tangible support takes the form of advocacy, training and mentorship, building community, Research Labs, and other incentives. Through these and other programs, the Center promotes and encourages curiosity, investigation, and collaboration in an environment where unique and diverse perspectives can emerge and flourish.

Values

Curiosity
Equity
Integrity
Transparency

Faculty looking for research support should visit this page for information on grant opportunities and resources.

Students click here for research support information.

Arts Research Center Team

Christiana Lafazani, clafazani@vcu.edu, Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs and Research

Melyatta Powers powersmu@vcu.edu, Senior Executive Director of Finance

Tabatha Dunlap, tadunlap@vcu.edu, Assistant Director of Finance

Aaron Anderson, adanderson@vcu.edu, Faculty Liaison for Arts & Health Projects, Associate Chair for Theatre

Tracy Leipold, tlleipold@vcu.edu, Coordinator, Arts Research